Photo Flash: A New Musical Explores the History of Marikina City

Manila, Philippines--Teatro ni Juan, Marikina City's premier community theater group, draws its 11th theatrical season to a close with "Ang Pagsalubong sa Apatnapu," a new musical that envisions anew the true events that transpired in the city in the early '40s.

A deranged writer recounts how the Jewish refugees found their way to the Valley, escaping the terrors of Kristallnacht, where the German Nazis attacked the Jews. Philippine President Manuel Quezon, together with the Marikenos, establishes an intercultural nexus with a deeper bond as a community--a forewarning for the turmoil yet to come: the requisitioning of the Japanese Imperial Army over the Philippine islands.

Featuring the Teatro ni Juan ensemble, "Ang Pagsalubong sa Apatnapu" is a thread through the remarkable contribution of Marikina City to the nation's historical narrative--one that has long been unnoticed by the history books but is worth passing on to the generations to come.

The artistic and production team includes Jennelle Javier (production management), Elvira Lazaro ( stage management), Clarisse Ilagan (photography and art direction), Mikaela Foronda (associate art direction), Wana Guevara, Ana Rae Tambaoan, and Alliah Micmic (dramaturgy), Jonpol Ponce (technical direction), Brian Bruno (lighting design), Madeline Villamon (costume design), Wana Guevara and Kristine de Leon (additional text, music, and lyrics), Julius Getubig (additional musical arrangement), Kary Villaflor (vocal and musical direction), Michaela Caranza (original music and arrangement), Bianca Trinidad (assistant direction and choreography), and Mikko Angeles (direction).

"Ang Pagsalubong sa Apatnapu" runs at Tahanan ni Juan (43-C Cruz St., Santa Elena, Marikina City) on February 16-17, 23-24, and March 2-3, 2019 at 7 p.m.

Get limited tickets (P150) from Je Vincent Trinidad 63915-495-4438 or Camille Doctolero 63926-881-5358. You may also email contact.teatronijuan@gmail.com.

Photos: Clarisse Ilagan

Ana Rae Tambaoan

Cristina Adigue

Kary Villaflor, Michaela Caranza

Zildgian Mirabueno, Jennelle Javier, Carlo Gianan

Mychael Yandoc, Vhon Seviola